Oh no! Science Fair! The biggest day of the year for Morecaster School is filled with ideas, hard work, and pressure! Like many kids, Dylan is caught between doing his project on his own, and accepting help from his enthusiastic parents! He learns what is important in the end... A 2014 Academics' Choice Gold Winner!

Keep Your Eye on the Prize (Adventures of Everyday Geniuses) (The Adventures of Everyday Geniuses)

Teen & Young Adult

Barbara Esham

Literature & Fiction

Mainstream Connections Publishing

Katie always thought her dad was smart; he is one of the busiest attorneys in town! People are always asking him for advice! She has been a bit confused since asking him for help with her weekly spelling list. How can her very smart dad struggle with one of her spelling words? This definitely didn't make sense. the word Mississippi has changes everything... Book Series Endorsements: "It is hard to overstate how much better children are served if they believe, rightly, that their efforts to improve academically actually make a difference. Research by Dr. Carol Dweck and colleagues has shown, in impressive detail, that children's beliefs about the nature of intelligence--as being either malleable or fixed--can greatly impact both their attitude towards learning and their academic achievement. It is far better to believe in a malleable rather than a fixed notion of intelligence. Thus it is a delight to see books like the present one put much needed, and scientifically credible, tools in the hands of educators, parents, and children." Dr. Jeremy Gray, Yale University Professor of Psychology "The Mainstream Connections book series teaches that challenges and differences are part of the spice of life, not something to hide or fear. Each child in the series faces a challenge that makes him or her feel different and maybe not as good as other kids. Young readers will learn the value of facing challenges directly, and to respect everyone's unique challenges. Success comes from practice and improvement, especially on the things that are hardest to do." Dr. Brian Nosek, University of Virginia Professor of Psychology The Mainstream Connections Children's Book Series conveys a message that could have been lifted straight from a psychology research journal: there is more than one way to define being smart . As these stories illustrate, for every person, large and small, there are skills that are relatively difficult to master and others that seem to come more naturally. These books emphasize the important empirical conclusion that just as regular exercise makes the body stronger, so, too, does practice and the effort to improve academically--with all the struggle, fatigue, and initial failure that it entails--allow people to capitalize on the malleable nature of human intelligence. Dr. Samuel R. Sommers, Tufts University Professor of Psychology I applaud Barbara Esham for finding a way to teach young children how to be more mindful. In so doing, she sets the stage for their greater well-being as adults. Dr. Ellen Langer, Harvard University Professor of Psychology This is a wonderful book series. Each story shows children that success is about effort and determination, that problems need not derail them, and that adults can understand their worries and struggles. My research demonstrates that these lessons are essential for children. Dr. Carol S. Dweck, Stanford University Professor of Psychology "If You're So Smart How Come You Can't Spell Mississippi? is a fantastic way of bringing this information to the many smart children who find reading and spelling especially difficult--and especially to those who are beginning to doubt their own potential." Drs. Brock (M.D., M.A.) and Fernette (M.D.) Learning Experts As consultants, the Eides are international and national professional advisors for organizations such as SENG (Supporting the Emotional Needs of the Gifted).

If You're So Smart, How Come You Can't Spell Mississippi? (The Adventures of Everyday Geniuses)

Children's Books

Mainstream Connections Pub

Katie always thought her dad was smart; he is one of the busiest attorneys in town! People are always asking him for advice! She has been a bit confused since asking him for help with her weekly spelling list. How can her very smart dad struggle with one of her spelling words? This definitely didn't make sense. the word Mississippi has changes everything...Book Series Endorsements: "It is hard to overstate how much better children are served if they believe, rightly, that their efforts to improve academically actually make a difference. Research by Dr. Carol Dweck and colleagues has shown, in impressive detail, that children's beliefs about the nature of intelligence--as being either malleable or fixed--can greatly impact both their attitude towards learning and their academic achievement. It is far better to believe in a malleable rather than a fixed notion of intelligence. Thus it is a delight to see books like the present one put much needed, and scientifically credible, tools in the hands of educators, parents, and children." Dr. Jeremy Gray, Yale University Professor of Psychology  "The Mainstream Connections book series teaches that challenges and differences are part of the spice of life, not something to hide or fear. Each child in the series faces a challenge that makes him or her feel different and maybe not as good as other kids. Young readers will learn the value of facing challenges directly, and to respect everyone's unique challenges. Success comes from practice and improvement, especially on the things that are hardest to do." Dr. Brian Nosek, University of VirginiaProfessor of Psychology  The Mainstream Connections Children's Book Series conveys a message that could have been lifted straight from a psychology research journal: there is more than one way to define being smart . As these stories illustrate, for every person, large and small, there are skills that are relatively difficult to master and others that seem to come more naturally. These books emphasize the important empirical conclusion that just as regular exercise makes the body stronger, so, too, does practice and the effort to improve academically--with all the struggle, fatigue, and initial failure that it entails--allow people to capitalize on the malleable nature of human intelligence. Dr. Samuel R. Sommers, Tufts UniversityProfessor of Psychology  I applaud Barbara Esham for finding a way to teach young children how to be more mindful. In so doing, she sets the stage for their greater well-being as adults. Dr. Ellen Langer, Harvard UniversityProfessor of Psychology This is a wonderful book series. Each story shows children that success is about effort and determination, that problems need not derail them, and that adults can understand their worries and struggles. My research demonstrates that these lessons are essential for children. Dr. Carol S. Dweck, Stanford UniversityProfessor of Psychology "If You're So Smart How Come You Can't Spell Mississippi? is a fantastic way of bringing this information to the many smart children who find reading and spelling especially difficult--and especially to those who are beginning to doubt their own potential."Drs. Brock (M.D., M.A.) and Fernette (M.D.)Learning Experts As consultants, the Eides are international and national professional advisors for organizations such as SENG (Supporting the Emotional Needs of the Gifted).

(Dyslexia) If You're So Smart, How Come You Can't Spell Mississippi? (A Story About Dyslexia) (Adventures of Everyday Geniuses)

Mainstream Connections

Review: "The second picture book in The Adventures of Everyday Geniuses series features Max, a third-grader who had always liked math until his teacher started using a timer for testing the class on multiplication facts. Max clutches when he tries to hurry. When his missing math folder reveals that Max has been working problems from the older brother s algebra book for fun, he is invited to join the school math team as well as a program for accelerated math students. Tinted with colorful washes, ink drawings illustrate the story with sympathy and humor. One particularly expressive picture illustrates the phrase my mind freezes with a drawing of unhappy Max seated at his school desk, his head turned into a snowman s noggin, carrot nose and all. The well-phrased text also reassures children that understanding is more important than memorization and that a strength in one area of learning can offset a weakness in another." Carolyn Phelan American Library Association, BOOKLIST Endorsements: I applaud Barbara Esham for finding a way to teach young children how to be more mindful. In so doing, she sets the stage for their greater well-being as adults. Dr. Ellen Langer, Harvard University Professor of Psychology Over the years I have witnessed great advances in our understanding of learning styles. Yet I have been struck with how little progress we have made in translating this research into words and practices that students and their parents can use. The books of the Mainstream Connections series are honest but positive, helpful without preaching, and they are readable but not too simplistic. I have no doubt these books will touch the hearts and minds of many, and help some lost children find good in themselves. Dr. Jeffrey Gilger, Purdue University College of Education Each book in the Mainstream Connections Children's Book Series offers a reassuring message for children and sage advice for their adult caregivers, who do not always appreciate children's naive construals of their peers, teachers, and schools. The books encourage children not to shy away from obstacles by showing how many adults--from Mom and Dad to intellectual giants--overcame similar obstacles on the road to success. They dispel misconceptions about intelligence that can undermine confidence among children who do not immediately succeed in school. They also highlight the pitfalls of measuring oneself in comparison to peers. Although the books seem targeted toward children who struggle, there are important messages for those children for whom school seems to come easy as well as the teachers and parents who create the environments in which children learn. A recurring theme is the importance to children of understanding and affirmation from adults. The richness and depth of these books, which are firmly rooted in behavioral science research, is uncommon in short stories for children. It is quite possible that these books will rescue some children from the uncertainty, anxiety, and struggle that school and peer relations sometimes create. Dr. Rick Hoyle, Duke University Research Professor Psychology &amp; Neuroscience "Surprisingly, many of history's greatest mathematicians have been slow--or even spotty--calculators. Kudos to Barb Esham for this wise and witty reminder of the difference between rote memorization and higher math reasoning. Last to Finish is the perfect book for the child whose passion for exploring the magical world of mathematics is in danger of

Last to Finish: A Story About the Smartest Boy in Math Class (The Adventures of Everyday Geniuses)

The second picture book in The Adventures of Everyday Geniuses series features Max, a third-grader who had always liked math until his teacher started using a timer for testing the class on multiplication facts. Max clutches when he tries to hurry. When his missing math folder reveals that Max has been working problems from the older brother s algebra book for fun, he is invited to join the school math team as well as a program for accelerated math students. Tinted with colorful washes, ink drawings illustrate the story with sympathy and humor. One particularly expressive picture illustrates the phrase my mind freezes with a drawing of unhappy Max seated at his school desk, his head turned into a snowman s noggin, carrot nose and all. The well-phrased text also reassures children that understanding is more important than memorization and that a strength in one area of learning can offset a weakness in another. Carolyn Phelan American Library Association, BOOKLIST

Last to Finish A Story About the Smartest Boy in Math Class (Story about Math Anxiety, Math Performance, and Unrecognized Math Ability) (Adventures of Everyday Geniuses)

From Mrs. Thompson, the teacher, to Frederick, the class guinea pig, everything about second grade seems good to Carolyn. But when the class starts practicing the slants and curves of cursive writing, she finds it difficult and her happiness evaporates. Detailing her frustrations and contrasting her struggles with a classmate s easy success, this picture book reflects experiences familiar to many young students. Carolyn s sympathetic teacher puts things in perspective, telling her that when it comes to writing, ideas and emotions are much more important than slants and curves. Designed to encourage children, books in the Adventures of Everyday Geniuses series tell stories of students who struggle in some respects, while excelling in others. Bright with colorful washes, the cartoonlike drawings clearly express the characters emotions. Given the pressure to introduce cursive writing to younger students, this picture book will resonate with a growing number of children. Carolyn Phelan --BOOKLIST American Library Association

Stacey Coolidge's Fancy-Smancy Cursive Handwriting (Highlights Character's Handwriting Difficulty and Creative Writing Strength) (The Adventures of Everyday Geniuses)

Education & Reference

ADD / ADHD? Creative Thinking? Move and Shaker? David doesn't know how he ends up in such situations. At the time, it just seems like a great idea. His teacher, Mrs. Gorski, has had aout enough; he can tell by the way her voice changes when she speaks to him. This time, he believes that he has come up with the best idea yet. The perfect plan to make everything better.

Mrs. Gorski, I Think I Have The Wiggle Fidgets (A Story About Attention. Distraction, and Creativity) (The Adventures of Everyday Geniuses)

Mrs. Gorski, I Think I Have the Wiggle Fidgets

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Books by Barbara Esham